In a move that addresses long‑standing safety concerns, Pittsburgh City Council has unlocked $2.3 million in grant funding for a major redesign of the high‑traffic intersection where Main Street meets Liberty Avenue, just south of the Bloomfield Bridge. The project, estimated at $3.5 million total, is intended to protect pedestrians—including children and seniors—by shortening crossing distances and better integrating transit and bike infrastructure.

Local officials outline the plan

“It’s terrifying. It’s terrifying. And it has been for decades,” said Councilmember Deb Gross, District 7, describing the current conditions at the five‑way junction. Gross emphasized that the intersection functions more like a highway than a neighborhood crossing, putting vulnerable road users at risk.

Jan Raether, Infrastructure Engagement Manager for the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, explained the design concepts under consideration. “Some of the stuff that we’re looking at doing at that intersection are shortening crossing distances so that pedestrians don’t have to cross as far across as many lanes to go where they want to go, sort of centralizing the transit stops around that intersection,” Raether said. He added that bike connections are also part of the upgrade, noting the city’s broader effort to expand its bike network.

Funding and timeline

The $2.3 million grant will be combined with additional city and state resources to reach the projected $3.5 million cost. While the exact construction start date has not been set, officials indicated that work could begin within the next few years, pending final design approvals and permitting.

Department of Mobility and Infrastructure officials noted that a roundabout was discussed early in the planning process but is not currently on the table. “It might have been something that was considered early on. I know it’s something that people have suggested on social media, but it’s not currently something that’s on the table,” Raether said.

Community impact

Residents of the Bloomfield neighborhood have voiced frustration for years over the intersection’s speed and complexity. “It is like a highway. It’s a highway, and there are little kids trying to cross. There are seniors trying to cross,” Gross said, underscoring the urgency of the project for families who rely on safe routes to schools, churches and local businesses.

The redesign is expected to reduce vehicle speeds, improve sight lines and provide clearer pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. By centralizing transit stops, the city hopes to make public transportation more accessible while encouraging a shift away from car‑dependent travel.

Next steps

City officials will continue to engage with the community through public meetings and online updates as the design process moves forward. The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure will also coordinate with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to ensure the project aligns with state‑wide transportation goals.

Bloomfield residents can stay informed by visiting the city’s official website or signing up for alerts from local news outlets.

Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.